The history of the country, and her cultural influences, is as rich as her natural landscape is diverse. Portugal was once, of course, a great Empire, colonising large parts of Africa, China, America and Malaysia. Gold from Brazil provided for magnificent Baroque buildings and gilded alter carvings. Exotic fruits and oriental spices changed gastronomic traditions forever, and Oporto and Lisbon are awash with memories of the great explorers, Prince Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama.
But Portugal was colonised too and there is also a surprising variety of architectural sites, reflecting a succession of occupying civilisations from the Ibero-Celts to the Christian reconquest. Romanesque temples, Baroque castles and numerous hidden churches all bear witness to a colourful past, as do ordinary village houses adorned with beautiful azulejo tiles and topped with Moorish-style chimney pots.
Portugal is a compact land packed full of historic, natural and cultural interest. For so small a country, it offers an astonishing array of natural splendours: great rivers, dense forests, lush valleys, rolling hills, exciting mountain ranges and long stretches of glorious white, sandy beaches.
Read more▼
Varied beach-front cycling along some of the most spectacular stretches of coast we've ever seen! Starting in wine capital, Porto, your route heads south beach and bay-hopping to Aveiro, Portugal's Venice before finishing beside the beach at Praia de Mira.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Marked by the intense green of its fields and vineyards, the Minho regions' natural landscape is one of enormous beauty and biodiversity. Head from the mountains to the coast on this 7 night holiday.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Sample the world-class wine and local produce, discover an ancient castle, delightful forests, historical towns, and beautiful beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean as you meander across Northern Portugal.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
The Portuguese Camino de Santiago along the coast is one of the most unique and has been one of the main pilgrim routes to Santiago for centuries. Set out on a journey of discovery, not only of the country but of yourself as you follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims and walkers.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
You cycle through small villages and extensive vineyards, following the River Minho towards the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is a stunning combination of high mountains, rolling river scenes, historic towns and dramatic coastal landscape.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Explore the Douro Valley and its historical villages on our 6-night self-guided tour. Starting from the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo, close to the Spanish border you'll cycle through uniquely terraced vineyards on your way to port wine town of Pinhao.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Enjoy cycling from wine capital, Porto, south along the coast and bay-hopping to Aveiro, Portugal's Venice before heading inland and finishing in Coimbra, Portugal's old capital with UNESCO recognised heritage.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Follow scenic coastal routes along the Atlantic Coast of Portugal. This tour starts in Porto, with highlights including a scenic ride through the dunes of the Sao Jacinto Natural Reserve and an overnight in the picture-perfect fortified village of Obidos.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
This 7-night guided walking holiday combines plentiful wine-tastings with relaxed walks through valleys and terraced vineyards, and alongside gushing rivers.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
